If you are craving a dish that brings together smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors in a vibrant and satisfying way, you have to try this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s a beautiful blend of grilled chicken and corn, crispy bacon, crunchy veggies, and a luscious BBQ mayo dressing that makes every bite pop with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or want a hearty salad for lunch, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe lies in using simple yet thoughtful ingredients. Each element adds something unique—from the juicy grilled corn and tender chicken to the smoky bacon and creamy cheddar—resulting in a salad that’s anything but ordinary.
- 8 oz Bow tie Pasta: The fun shape holds the dressing beautifully and provides a nice chewy base.
- 2-3 ears of corn: Grilled and sheared off the cob for a sweet, smoky crunch.
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Grilled for juicy, flavorful protein chunks.
- 8 slices of bacon: Cooked and chopped to add a salty, crisp contrast.
- 1 bell pepper: Color of choice, chopped for crispness and a pop of color.
- 2 stalks of celery: Chopped for fresh crunch that brightens the salad.
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese: Cubed for creamy, tangy richness.
- 1 cup mayo: The creamy base for the dressing.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Adds smoky-sweet punch (Sweet Baby Ray’s is my go-to!).
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle tang to balance flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Chopped cilantro: Optional, for a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Grill Your Chicken and Corn
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Husk the corn, then rub each ear with a little butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Fire up your grill, then cook the chicken and corn until they are perfectly done and slightly smoky. Let them rest so the juices stay locked in—this step ensures your chicken stays juicy and your corn retains its sweet, smoky flavor for that irresistible bite.
Step 2: Cook Pasta and Bacon
While your grilled ingredients cool, boil the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but with a firm bite. At the same time, cook your bacon until crisp. Both these components add essential texture contrast: chewy pasta paired with crunchy bacon. Drain the pasta well and let it cool slightly before mixing everything together.
Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Cheese
Chop the bell pepper and celery to get that fresh, crunchy dimension in your salad. Cube the cheddar cheese so it melds evenly throughout. Next, shear the sweet corn kernels off their cob into a bowl—this brings forward the grilled flavor in small bursts throughout the dish. These colorful ingredients brighten up your salad and create layers of texture as you dig in.
Step 4: Whip Up the Dressing
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise with your favorite BBQ sauce—Sweet Baby Ray’s adds the perfect smoky sweetness in my opinion—plus the apple cider vinegar for a subtle zing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy, tangy dressing is what ties the entire dish together, coating each bite with bold flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Step 5: Combine and Toss Everything
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, grilled corn, cubed chicken, bacon bits, chopped bell pepper, celery, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient gets coated in that delicious BBQ mayo blend. Whether chilled or served at room temperature, this salad is bursting with flavor and makes a wonderful main dish or side that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro to brighten it up and add an herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, smoky base. For an extra pop, a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño can add an exciting kick.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with classic barbecue staples like grilled corn on the cob, baked beans, or a crisp green salad. It also makes a fantastic protein-packed side for a picnic or potluck, complementing everything from burgers to ribs with its rich and refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in a large, colorful bowl for casual gatherings, or layer it in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches or charming party presentations. You can even stuff it into whole grain pita pockets with a handful of greens for a fun handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors have a chance to meld even more overnight, making it ideal for make-ahead meals or quick lunches during the week.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as the texture and flavor can degrade once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time only to maintain its vibrant taste and texture.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a warm meal, enjoy the chicken separately warmed and add it to the salad fresh to keep all the ingredients at their best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is traditional and great at holding the dressing, penne, rotini, or farfalle work well too. Just choose pasta shapes that can capture dressing and mix easily with the other ingredients.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best in this recipe?
Sweet and smoky BBQ sauces like Sweet Baby Ray’s complement this salad wonderfully, but feel free to use your favorite style—whether it’s spicy, tangy, or more vinegar-based—depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and consider adding extra grilled veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for added heartiness. A bit of smoked cheddar can help bring in some of that smoky flavor.
How long does the salad last once dressed?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy the salad within 3 days of dressing. The flavors meld nicely, but the fresh veggies stay crisp only for a short time after tossing with the dressing.
Is this salad good for a potluck or picnic?
Yes! The BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe travels well and makes a satisfying dish that feeds a crowd. Keep it chilled until serving to maintain freshness and serve it in a large bowl or individual containers for convenience.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe enough if you love bold, layered flavors combined with a comforting yet fresh salad. It’s simple to make, full of texture, and absolutely delightful whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, gathering with friends, or packing up for an outdoor adventure. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite summer salad!
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BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a flavorful and hearty dish combining grilled chicken, fresh corn, crispy bacon, and a tangy BBQ mayo dressing. Perfect as a main meal or a side dish for summer gatherings, it balances smoky, creamy, and fresh ingredients for a crowd-pleasing salad.
Ingredients
Pasta & Proteins
- 8 oz bow tie pasta
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and cubed
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
Vegetables & Cheese
- 2–3 ears of corn, grilled and sheared off the cob
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (color of choice)
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, cubed
Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s)
- 1.5 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Other
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Butter for rubbing on corn before grilling
Instructions
- Season and Grill Chicken and Corn: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Husk the corn and rub each ear with butter, then season with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill and cook the chicken and corn until fully cooked, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove and let both rest.
- Cook Pasta and Bacon: While the grill items are resting, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Also, cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into pieces.
- Prepare Vegetables and Cheese: Chop the bell pepper and celery into bite-sized pieces. Cube the cheddar cheese. Shear the grilled corn kernels off the cobs into a bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled corn kernels, grilled chicken cubes, chopped bacon, bell pepper, celery, and cheddar cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: This salad can be served immediately at room temperature or chilled in the refrigerator for enhanced flavors. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving. It makes a great main dish or a tasty side for your BBQ.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grilled chicken and corn for maximum smoky flavor.
- Feel free to substitute the BBQ sauce with your preferred brand or spiciness level.
- This salad holds up well for next-day meals and tastes even better chilled.
- You can add a squeeze of lime juice for an extra tangy zing if desired.
- Make sure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent mushiness in the salad.
